Decorating Tips To Create A Stress Free Environment

Add a few houseplants or a weekly bouquet of fresh flowers to your decor, or use some greenery around your mantle

Whether you're looking for a home to buy, are getting ready to move in, or simply want some decorating tips to make your existing home more comfortable, you'll want your home decor to create a calm setting. Your home should be a sanctuary from the demands of the outside world, allowing your family to unwind in a soothing, stress free environment. Home decor has a large impact on your family's mood and stress level, and the choices you make can help create a soothing atmosphere that leaves the chaos outside.

These seven decorating tips will help you create a stress free environment in your home:

Don't overdo patterns and bright colors

If you overdo it with patterns and bright colors, the effect can be too busy, with too many items competing for your visual attention. Instead, emphasize one or the other. If you have several different patterns, keep them in similar colors, and if you want to use several colors, don't use many patterns.

Bright colors can work in accent pieces but can be overwhelming in large doses. In general, colors such as white, pale blue, soft green, and pale yellow are soothing.

Surround yourself with nature

Bringing a bit of nature inside can have a calming effect throughout your home. Add a few houseplants or a weekly bouquet of fresh flowers to your decor, or use some greenery around your mantle.

You can also choose photographs or artwork that depict nature and enhance your scenery by hanging a mirror across from a window with an attractive view. In addition, materials like straw, seagrass, and jute bring a touch of nature - as well as interesting textures - to your home.

Cut down on clutter

Clutter definitely increases stress, since it causes you to spend more time looking for lost objects and also creates a chaotic environment.

Pictures of beautiful, inspiring decor in magazines and online always have one thing in common - the look is far less cluttered than what you'll find in most homes. Enhancing your home with decorating tips won't be effective if you have piles of magazines and other clutter that distract the eye. Go through your belongings, and honestly assess their value in your home. If they aren't used, don't bring you joy, or have sentimental value, don't keep them.

Shine some light - the right way

Utilize natural light by opening your blinds or other window treatments during the day. While a brightly lit room is soothing when it's natural light that's streaming in your windows, artificial light can be less relaxing.

Aim for soft lighting without a harsh overhead glare by using dimmers and lights that can be directed to specific areas, such as recessed lighting. In addition, full-spectrum light bulbs create light that's more natural and soothing than the illumination provided by standard light bulbs.

Arrange your furniture so it flows

Take a look at the layout of your current furniture to see if it flows well or if you've inadvertently created an obstacle course. Can you move from one room to the other without taking a roundabout way? Are you constantly banging into a particular piece of furniture?

You may need to rearrange your furniture or even eliminate or downsize a piece of two if necessary so you'll be able to easily move throughout your home.

Use what you love

Surround yourself with items that make you happy. Family photos, souvenirs from trips, and favorite books can create attractive displays while making you feel calm and happy.

If you love the mountains, beach, or city scenes, incorporate some artwork to reflect these venues.

Use all your senses

Creating a stress free environment is about more than what you see. Soft fabrics - from plush area rugs that soften hardwood floors to cushy pillows on your couch - help you relax and make your home seem cozy and inviting.

You can also use aromatherapy to lighten your mood with candles, fresh herbs, and essential herbs. And finally, the sounds in your home should include more than the constant drone of the TV or sounds from the kids' video games. A small water feature looks and sounds calming and also helps bring a touch of nature to your home.

With these decorating tips, you can create a home environment that's stress free and soothing, helping your family to have a respite from the outside stresses of the world.